Driving isn’t just about getting from A to B, for many people it’s a chance to unwind and enjoy the journey with friends and family.  

If you drive regularly for work or leisure, it’s important to have an active lifestyle to keep your body feeling its best. With some simple changes in your car and regular stretching, you can improve comfort and reduce any potential aches and pains.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic or needing to stretch after a long drive, we’ve put together some helpful tips to keep your body moving, with expert advice from Chartered Physiotherapist Fiona Brook.    

Areas of the body that may benefit from extra care
After a long drive, you might notice a few spots in your body that feel a little more tense or stiff than usual. Your neck, hips, back and legs might need some TLC after spending hours behind the wheel. It’s completely normal, but giving those areas a bit of extra attention can really help to avoid any aches or pains the next day.

You should aim to take a 15 minute break for every 2 hours on the road to prevent tiredness, which is an ideal time to stretch and move around. After longer periods of driving, you can also stretch when you get home to keep your body moving and help you feel your best.    
 
Useful car checks to improve comfort
Sitting with the right posture in your car not only improves comfort and safety but also makes your overall driving experience more enjoyable.

Adjusting your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors isn’t just about road safety – it’s also about having a comfortable drive.

  • Adjusting your seatWe recommend sitting back into your seat so that the backrest gently supports your entire back. If your car has an ergonomic seat, adjust the base to provide full support along the length of your thighs. The ideal driving position is where your legs and torso form approximately a 110-degree angle.


For your legs, make sure the seat is positioned at a distance from the steering wheel that allows you to comfortably press the pedals while keeping a slight bend in your knees.

  • Positioning your mirrors When you are sitting comfortably behind the wheel, adjust your side mirrors so that you only need a slight turn of your head to stay aware of the road. This reduces the need to move your entire body, helping to keep your neck relaxed.

Although checking your blind spot will require a full turn of your body, regular mirror checks should only involve minimal neck movement.

Staying flexible on the road: quick stretches for drivers
Whether you’re stuck in traffic or just finished a long journey, these quick stretches will help you stay comfortable whilst driving.

We’ve shared two easy exercises that target common areas of stiffness and strain, helping you feel more at ease during and after your drive.

1. Neck protraction stretch – a simple exercise to relieve tension
This in-car exercise can relieve the ‘forward head’ position that can put strain on your neck and back of the shoulders.

  • Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed and your head in a neutral position, facing forward.
  • Avoid tilting your head up or down, imagine you have a peach between your chin and chest. 
  • Slowly retract your neck backwards. You should feel the back of your neck muscles working and active. Find length in the back of your neck. 
  • Hold this position for 5 seconds, slowly release. 
  • Repeat 10 reps, focusing on smooth controlled movements. 

2.   Downward dog – a great way to stretch out multiple parts of the bodyThis at-home downward dog exercise will help to stretch out your hamstrings, calves, back, shoulders.

  • Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
  • Tuck your toes and slowly lift your hips toward the ceiling, aiming to form an inverted “V” shape with your body. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart.
  • Press your heels gently toward the floor (they may not touch – especially if your hamstrings are tight), and work on straightening your legs while maintaining a slight bend in the knees if necessary. 
  • Tighten your abdominal muscles and keep your neck relaxed, with your head between your arms, looking toward your thighs or the floor.
  • Stay in the position for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply. You can perform alternate ankle pedalling for an increased calf stretch.  
  • To come out of the pose, gently lower your knees back to the floor and return to the tabletop position.

The best cars for ultimate comfort
Driving a car that’s been designed with comfort in mind is a great option for people that regularly clock up miles on the road.  
There are several vehicles on the market that are known for their ergonomic design, with features such as adjustable seats and steering wheels, well-placed controls, and extra legroom etc.  

  • Volvo XC90
    The Volvo XC90 has a spacious interior with supportive seats that are adjustable in multiple ways, providing excellent lumbar support and comfort.

  • BMW i5
    The BMW i5 has a roomy interior with adjustable seating and intuitive controls, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

  • Audi A8
    The Audi A8 has an advanced suspension system which means it can adjust to different road conditions, as well as having ample leg room and heated seats.

If you spend a lot of time driving, keep our tips in mind and make stretching a regular part of your daily routine to stay comfortable on the road.

Looking for a car or van perfect for long-distance driving? Reach out to our team today for more recommendations.